From the time Creighton started playing men’s basketball (1916-1917) through the 1959-1960 season, the Bluejays called the Vinardi Center home. CU went 336-92 in 42 seasons in the on-campus gym, which now stands as home to the basketball practice facility.
Each week of the Creighton men’s basketball season, WBR will catch up with a Creighton coach to report about practice and the state of the program.
This week, we speak with CU assistant coach Steve Lutz.
Creighton assistant Steve Lutz (center) shares his thoughts about the Bluejays' newest recruits (Adam Streur/WBR)
After the first weekend of regular season games, we caught up with assistant coach Steve Lutz to discuss what the coaching staff has seen so far and what Creighton fans can expect from the Bluejays’ first true road test Wednesday against the UAB Blazers.
White & Blue Review: The season’s first two games are in the books. Have you coaches been pleased with the team’s progress so far?
Steve Lutz: Very pleased. The guys have really bought into the system and style that we want to play and they are sticking to the game plans. The opponents will get a lot tougher this week, so we will see how we really stack up.
WBR: You mentioned the competition this week. You will head out on the road to face UAB on Wednesday; can you talk a little about what fans can expect out of this match-up?
SL: They are a good team and very well coached. Their strength is in their front line, and their best player is a power forward named Cameron Moore. He is about 6-10 and has a very similar game to Doug’s [McDermott]. It will be a test to our front line, and we will really need to focus on rebounding at all positions. Their best rebounder, Ovie Soko, will be a real test for Greg [Echenique] down low as well. It should be a good match-up.
WBR: Could you talk briefly about the three recruits your staff signed last week?
SL: Absolutely. Isaiah Zierden has a great shot and has the ability to score in a number of ways. He has a great defensive game and is a coach’s son, so he is very heady and knows the game. Tevin Calhoun will be a real mismatch in our league. He can play the post, but can also come out and shoot. He is a real athletic kid. Andre Yates is a true point guard who has the ability to score and run a team. He is very athletic and can make things happen on the court.
WBR: Have there been any further decisions made in regards to redshirts on this year’s team?
SL: The only decisions that have been made so far are that Alex Olsen, Moe (Mogboluwaga Oginni), and Nevin Johnson will definitely redshirt. Geoff Groselle is still undecided.